Cracked porcelain floor tile in a wet room

[maggiemay]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for this. We do have spare tiles and the tiler has said he will replace the cracked ones - but at the cost of irretrievably damaging our underfloor heating. We were really pleased with his work but at the moment, his attitude is very bullish and he's giving no quarter! Initially, he said we had dropped something then on his second visit to see the second cracked tile he said that of course the floor will be moving which is why he used a flexible adhesive. I would happily let him replace the two tiles if we could guarantee that we didn't lose the underfloor heating and that it wouldn't happen elsewhere subsequently.

I think your suggestion is reasonable, and according to other forum members if done carefully, we shouldn't lose the underfloor heating. I just wish our tiler was being as reasonable! I was hoping to employ the services of another tiler to act as mediator but the Tile Association are quoting £770 for the service!! We could certainly have the floor retiled for that!

Maggie May

 

[Time's Ran Out]

A porcelain tile is not going to break on a corner unless something has been dropped on a unsupported section of tile - this could have been done after it was fixed by another trade and only noticeable once the discolouration of the surface showed it up.
It could also have been broken in the box during transportation and not noticed until the same discolouration showed it up.
This could also be the case for the tile next to it - being damaged in the same box, or more likely being a straight line due to excessive movement in the base.
These tiles can and should be removed by cutting the joint grout and levering the tile up from the broken corner. I didn't read if the underfloor heating was covered by a self levelling screed before the tiles were fixed but this should allow the tiles to come up easier. Care should be taken if it is only an adhesive bed but any damage to UFH can be repaired with a kit as a last resort.


Timeless John.

 

[CJ CERAMICS]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for this. We do have spare tiles and the tiler has said he will replace the cracked ones - but at the cost of irretrievably damaging our underfloor heating. We were really pleased with his work but at the moment, his attitude is very bullish and he's giving no quarter! Initially, he said we had dropped something then on his second visit to see the second cracked tile he said that of course the floor will be moving which is why he used a flexible adhesive. I would happily let him replace the two tiles if we could guarantee that we didn't lose the underfloor heating and that it wouldn't happen elsewhere subsequently.

I think your suggestion is reasonable, and according to other forum members if done carefully, we shouldn't lose the underfloor heating. I just wish our tiler was being as reasonable! I was hoping to employ the services of another tiler to act as mediator but the Tile Association are quoting £770 for the service!! We could certainly have the floor retiled for that!

Maggie May

hi maggie,
sadly small problems can quite often blow out of all proportion.
the tiler may feel that you are questioning his ability and workmanship
which from reading your posts you are most certainly not as you have said the standard of his work is very good. explain to him in a concise way that the problem with these 2? tiles is spoiling what otherwise is an excellent job and you need to find the cause and remedy it so you can enjoy your wetroom. ufh should be ok when lifting tiles but as i say without seeing it its hard to tell, you may be better speaking to the manufactures of the ufh and see what recommendations they can give. But you must keep negotiations with the tiler open (this may include lots of tongue biting) but it will be worth it in the end and try to work towards a hassle free solution.
chris

 

[maggiemay]

Thanks guys for all your suggestions! I'll let you know how we go on .......

maggie